Opinion: The Ethiopian Herald Editorial continues with it’s vilification of Tigray

The Ethiopian Herald published today on the 22nd May 2022 an Editorial called “For half a century harping on the same string war”. It is about the humanitarian blockade and the reasons to keep it like that. This is a piece on how the regime of Addis Ababa defends it war in Tigray and the blockade, which it has had since November 2020.

This has been the best month of humanitarian assistance and the convoys have become more rapidly. The recent amount have been around 300 trucks in the recent, which is still a backdrop of the needs of the Tigray region. As the estimation earlier has been around a 100 trucks a day with humanitarian assistance to cover the needs and stop a famine. However, the state has ensured the utilities, electricity, telephone-lines, internet-blockage and everything else has been blocked. Just like the Federal Government had stopped sending over financial support to the Regional Government a year ahead of the conflict. So, it’s not like the Tigray had a head start, but the regime had already planned all of this.

The piece today starts as humble as this: “Nonstop beating the drum of war, prophesying a fake freedom garnished with all-rounded democracy, promising an Eldorado that evolves out of drought-ravaged, recurrent-drought-hit and conflict-torn Tigray, Terrorist TPLF was cannon foddering specially Tigrayan youths, the cream of the cake, in an unjust war” (Ethiopian Herald, 22.05.2022).

The unjust war is true, as the Tripartite Alliance had prepared for it in November 2020. They were awaiting orders and had prepared across the borders of Tigray. The allies could attack from Eritrea, Afar and Amhara region. The Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Asmara was all ready to attack the region. The mechanical divisions was there. Troops had been deployed across the border points and nothing was left to chance. Therefore, the writer in his assessment is blaming the victim of the recent war. Saying they are beating the drums of war. When the government and regime he defends are doing similar actions in Oromia and has done it Ogaden too. Therefore, it is grim when you vilify an enemy to this extent.

An unjust war… his right… and it’s not over either. As the stalemate are here and the FDRE seems to be preparing for another “offensive” as it has continued that in Oromia of late. When that ceases and the ENDF has new re-enforcement. We should anticipate another attack on the Tigray region.

The editorial continues: “TPLF tries to hypnotize Tigraian mothers sweet talking them about valorous sons they bless off to earthly hell. It has been doing this from its inception. Those in the top brass of the filth-besmirched party has pressed ahead with this heinous deed of optimizing self-interest using the feeble and the elderly as twigs in the hearths the latter warm their bodies with. What do they care?, for it is not they themselves that bear the brunt of the invited war. Like a rabid dog barking at and biting every neighbor as well as saber rattling TPLF leaders make the Tigraian people shunned neighbors in all directions. Sowing the seed of discord is craftiness they are adept at” (Ethiopian Herald, 22.05.2022).

These sorts of things we have heard and read before. In the way and manner of which the party of Tigray is swaying the mothers to send their sons to battle to die. You can see the hatred and vilification is extreme. When they are continuing to say it like this and spell out it. The rhetoric is disgusting and just shows how they are speaking of all Tigrayan. That’s why they are targeting the mothers… and says the TPLF is sending their sons to hell. As if they are hell-bound, but the endless conflict right now is all in the hands of the Federal Government and their allies. Because, that is still having control and have annexed Western Tigray. Therefore, the blame isn’t solely on Tigray, but on Asmara, Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa too.

The Editorial continues: “It channels the food-aid it garners towards its war machinery so as to lock Tigrayan people in never ending war. It quaffs in the bud democratic forces that labor to introduce a meaningful democracy there and guns down those swimming in the tide of the reform believed to turn the country around including Tigray. Above all it adores serving a Trojan Horse to quarters with a hidden motive of using Ethiopia a pushover. This shows it doesn’t have an iota of care to the people it claims it supports. Against this backdrop, terrorist TPLF heads are still dreaming waging war against neighboring Amhara and Afar States. They as well plan to lock horns with Eretria unmindful of the fact that it is madness with a human wave composed of toddlers, feeble and elderly and not well-trained youths to fight a mechanized army. This could be nothing than a military suicide. If this war flares up it will be catastrophic to people of Tigray that has been victims of terrorist TPLF’s follies” (Ethiopian Herald, 22.05.2022).

What is striking here… is that’s the editor and government friendly paper claims it’s the Tigrayan people fault that they need food-aid. That’s despicable, because this problem is caused by the humanitarian blockade. The lack of seedlings and peace-time to actually cultivate the fields of the region for whatever sort of produce or cereal it can. That’s why it’s really despicable of the regime to write this and say that the food-aid is giving life to war. When the aid is barely enough to stop the starvation of millions and end a man-made famine.

We know the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) attacked Afar region and also Amhara region, as they are bordering the region. Alas, the blockade gave them no choice and at one point. The TDF was getting close to Debre Berhan. So, yes that have attacked both areas, but the Federal Government together with their allies went in to destroy, rape, massacre and total takeover a region. Therefore, they opened up a can of worms and no one would know how this would end. Which is very clear that it isn’t and the ENDF is only buying time before it returns again it seems. While professing that if the TDF was to return… they would all be dead. Just like the earlier prophecies that North Wollo would be a death-trap as well. So, the ones that has been listening have heard the same before from the government friendly entities. Therefore, if the TDF was to retaliate after a new offensive. They might be able to take territories again. Just like they did last year.

The editorial ends with: “As the international community has been clamoring there has to be immediate help to famished people of Tigray,it as much has to cry foul that terrorist TPLF is plotting the carnage of the same blowing the bugles of war. Terrorist TPLF should be told in clear terms that it is all out to see to the annihilation of Tigrian people forced to jump into a fire like a wasp. Condoning this crime is nothing less than committing it. Philanthropist and honest journalists have to challenge the sadist TPLF leaders where have the trucks we dispatched to Mekle with food aid gone? Have you made yourself Lords of poverty out of the much-needed aid? Are you going to make us ill-famed by negative association with you? Academicians, who hail from the Tigrian ethnic group, are shedding light on the fact that TPLF is romanticizing the war. Also international, independent political researchers, in the true sense of the word, that put things separating the seed from the chaff are dragging to light the true picture of terrorist TPLF. A drastic change from war mongering, an entrenched culture of TPLF, is called for. Harping on war is outmoded and unprofitable business hence it has to be forestalled by all means” (Ethiopian Herald, 22.05.2022).

It is really weird that the ones who has been blocking humanitarian assistance, stopped government programs and ensured the impossibility to grow crops are blaming the TPLF. While also saying the International Community shouldn’t be concerned about the plights of the people of Tigray. Just like the IC is concerned with the drought in the Ogaden and the war-torn parts of Amhara and Afar region. Therefore, the ones who is writing this has no concern or care for the starving civilians. As they are implying that if they suddenly eat. They will have energy to wage war again. Like what sort of methodology is that and what sort of ideals doest the state have?

Calling Tigray the Lords of Poverty when the same government is misusing all finances and revenues on war and internal conflicts. A government that has mismanaged priorities and it’s helping it’s citizens. Either it’s buying lethal weapons or building up the ego of the Prime Minister. The state who is begging for funds to fund its development and programs. While it is spending more forex than it’s earning on warfare. That’s why the lords of poverty is residing and ruling in Addis Ababa. They are the ones that is creating the crisis and only making things worse.

The state never cared about the trucks in the past. Only now and they didn’t make it possible to return as there was no petrol and vehicles has a hard time to move without petrol. That should make sense to anyone. When the state is blocking it for months and not allowing petrol to get in. This makes it impossible to move or return. Did the Addis Ababa government and propaganda peddlers consider that vehicles needs petrol to move? Or is there is a magical component that the Prosperity Party has, which the rest of the world doesn’t have to make it possible?

The IC isn’t calling for war and the ones who wants peace. Didn’t want the Tripartite Alliance to attack the Tigray region in the first place in November 2020. However it did and the TDF has just retaliated. We knew the piece would never be fair or be correct with the details.

Still, it just remains to await the next step and what move the FDRE will do in the conflict. Alas, sooner or later we should anticipate further escalation at some point. That could easily come from the Tripartite Alliance. We don’t know that will be, but when their other “offensives” are over. They might return to Tigray to finalize their annihilation of the region. Peace.

Ethiopia: Sirak Asfaw open letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (22.05.2022)

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) – Communique Officiel (22.05.2022)

Sudan: Khartoum City Resistance Committees Coordination – Events of May 21 Procession (22.05.2022)

The coup authorities and their various forces committed acts of violence and killing with live ammunition against peaceful revolutionaries during a procession on May 21 in the national capital of Omdurman, resulting in the martyrdom of a revolutionary (Mohammed Khalis) and the injury of dozens of others.

We pray for God’s mercy to be upon the martyr and a speedy recovery for the wounded, and we urge on the peaceful revolutionaries to adhere to peacefulness and begin an open escalation in all the cities and villages of Sudan, using all the methods of peaceful and civil resistance.

This brutal coup authority has been carrying out all of its activities without restraint or regard for this great nation. We urge on all forces that reject the coup to intensify their political and revolutionary actions.

In conclusion, woe to those who committed crimes against the Sudanese people, woe to the coup authority and their supporters, and woe to those who violated fundamental rights. The revolution will triumph, and you will have a destiny that you will not escape.

Media Office

May 22, 2022

Ethiopia: PM Abiy wants a Palace fitted for a King

The Office of the Prime Minister is under preparations to construct a new national palace to the tune of 49 billion birr, becoming the second biggest public project next to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has consumed over 130 billion birr thus far. Situated on a sprawling 503 hectares of land at Yeka Hill, in Yeka Sub-city, the construction touches five woredas, which will harbor the construction of halls, lakes, housing units and road infrastructures, among other facilities. Part of the government’s 10 year perspective plan, the project will see the evacuation of thousands of people. However, the residents will be given a chance to develop their own property on their land, if it fits the standard of the area, where the palace will be built. Sources told The Reporter the UAE government will contribute a portion of the budget needed to construct the palace” (The Ethiopian Reporter – ‘Government inches to build palace for over 49 billion birr’ 21.05.2022).

It seems to be official that the ruler of Addis Ababa and beyond, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is planning to change his estate and his residence. As there are now plans to spend about a $1 billion United States Dollar on building a new Palace. That will be instead of residing in the Menelik Palace and the Grand Jubilee, which will become a museums.

The OPM and the ruling regime is prioritizing building a lavish Palace for their ruler. Instead of spending money on food security, agriculture or anything that can help the citizens. Because, the state has created a famine in Northern parts of the Republic. While it is having severe droughts in the Ogaden and surrounding areas. It is also possible hurt and suffering in the Afar region and parts of the Amhara region after warfare last year. Also, we have no estimation or idea of the damage, the pain or suffering in the Oromia region as well. Therefore, the state isn’t creating sustainable mechanisms or programs. Instead they are choosing to build a magnificent building for the Prime Minister to reside in.

The state who just received $300 million USD to “rebuild” and “retool” parts of the war-torn regions of the Republic. As the Republic is having a rising inflation hitting around the 40% rise. While also lacking foreign exchange. Meanwhile the Federal Government has also invested and imported more weaponry, tanks and other equipment to further their internal conflicts. Therefore, there is no shadow of doubt. That things will only get worse… before they get better.

As the famines, droughts and steady arrival of conflicts. The use of war to silence to silence dissent and opposition. While spending fortunes on prestige projects like the Palace of the PM. That just shows what sort of mismatched priorities the PM has and he has no ideal of how it is wrecking the economy.

In the last budget the state used 12 billion birrs on food security, 17 billion birrs on job creation, 33 billion birrs on health care and 16 billion birrs on education. So, you can easily see how the Federal Government is prioritizing the Palace over all the other necessities. Yes, some funds will come from the UAE Government, but that’s still a waste of government spending. This is not for developing the Republic or helping the citizens in need. No, this is just to boost the ego of man and his lofty ambitions.

Abiy wants so badly to be seen as a King and be a monarch. Now, his building a grand palace in his name and during his tenure. That just shows his intentions and he has no scruples either. As his government is waging war, been blocking humanitarian aid and been vicious against any critics within his realm.

Now… his starting to build a Palace and soon his trying to figure out who can make him a crown. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: NUP Mobilizers and Activists kidnapped and kept incommunicado…

Police Mount Checkpoints to Screen ‘Strangers’ In Omoro Ahead of By-election. According to the Aswa River Region Police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, the checkpoints will help Police to screen people.…especially those who are strangers and entering Omoro District at the time campaigns are ongoing. But NUP Candidate, Simon Toolit Akecha says the checkpoints being erected in the constituency are targeting their campaign teams and supporters” (Unity FM 97.7 Lira, 22.05.2022).

This here was reported about yesterday. Now it is verified from the radio station in Lira. The By-Election in the Acholi Sub-Region we knew would be contested. The authorities and the state is using all their means to succeed.

The checkpoints are clearly made for arresting people associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). As there are reports of both well-known activists and mobilizers in the area that is kidnapped and kept incommunicado.

As reported underneath:

I’m told the army arrested NUP supporters and members on the campaign team last night in Omoro. Some were picked from their hotel rooms” (Kelvin Omukungu, 22.05.2022).

This brother uses the profile name Maush Mo on Facebook, alongside some others he is said to be held incommunicado in Omoro by the Police. The leadership NUP is making efforts to establish reason for the arrested” (Kato Festo, 22.05.2022).

There was also reports yesterday that the Special Forces Command (SFC) was using violence, beating and brutally arresting people who was associated with the NUP. Therefore, this is a continuation of that and just shows what the NRM is willing to do to “win”.

There is also reports that the NRM is giving away money to villages and their team is spending millions of shillings to buy voters in the Oromo County By-Election. So, the NRM is not “wasting” any resources on the prestige of getting the Son of Jacob elected. Peace.

Sudan: Sudanese Congress Party – Statement (22.05.2022)

A statement on the crimes of the coup authority in the face of the peaceful processions of May 21, 2022 AD

Our steadfast people;

The forces of the coup d’état are still continuing to kill our people without conscience or conscience, with the aim of breaking the thorn in the escalating resistance mass movement, which is unbreakable, yesterday, a martyr rose in the peaceful processions of May 21, 2022 AD in the city of Omdurman, and we pray for him for mercy and forgiveness, and dozens fell among those wounded by live bullets, some of them seriously injured, or suffocated by tear gas, we wish them a speedy recovery, these brute forces have used various types of deadly weapons in the face of our defenseless people, including shotguns and tear gas canisters, by aiming them directly at the bodies of honorable revolutionaries and revolutionaries. They also prevented the injured from reaching hospitals and preventing them from receiving the necessary first aid.

Our proud people;

In vain, the tyrants think that repression and killing will extinguish the flames of our people’s stoking revolution, and that their weak revolutionary authority will be prolonged. The lessons of recent history confirm that the will of the masses is inevitably past. And that crimes do not and will not be subject to a statute of limitations, but rather they are a burden on the bill of justice that must be paid, even after a while.

And the unity of the rebellious masses in the largest broad resistance front under a unified leadership is the imposition of the hour that must be fulfilled, at that time the monstrous night of totalitarianism will come to light, and the sun of freedom, justice and peace will rise in all parts of our generous country.

Long live our people free and victorious

Information Secretariat

May 22, 2022 AD

Tchad: Les Mouvements Politico-Militaires et Allies aux Pourparlers de Doha – Communique de Presse (21.05.2022)

Omoro By-Election: Bobi Wine and the Campaign Team released after hours of arrest under military supervision…

The latest report from Omoro By-Election is that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his Campaign Team has been released. They are now returning back to Kampala. As the Special Forces Command (SFC) has released them after keeping them under arrest.

This is directly stopping the National Unity Platform (NUP) from campaigning and using their national figures to gain voters in Omoro County By-Election. It is just a proof of how the state intimidate, incite fear and uses their means to “win” an election.

The arrests today and the military supervised arrests of civilians, activists and political leader Bobi Wine. Only shows what the state is wiling to do. Just so their candidate can “win” and nothing else.

It is only 5 days to the 26th May and it shows the dire distress the NUP causes to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That is so clear as the NRM has all their people campaigning in the election, but the NUP is blocked from doing the same. Just another proof of the “free and fair” elections in the era of the NRM. Peace.

Sudan: Forces of Freedom and Change – Executive Office – Important Statement (21.05.2022)

(Let us unite to defeat the coup and stop the violence against the peaceful revolutionaries and the mass movement)

Our people are still a boiling cauldron against the coup and present the martyr after the martyr, and today in valor resembling the women and men of Omdurman. The masses came out demanding their right to freedom, peace, justice, dignity and citizenship, and presented the martyr Muhammad Khalis, who fell by the bullets of the revolutionary junta, which did not learn anything from the lessons of our people’s resistance to tyranny and did not forget anything, and the practice of repression against the peaceful revolutionaries in different areas of the capital.

On the other hand, dozens of detainees from the Resistance Committees are still languishing in the prisons of the coup authority, and a number of them suffer from a deterioration in their health and ill-treatment of a number of freedom and revolution detainees in Port Sudan prison.

We appeal to the Sudanese men and women at home and abroad to escalate campaigns of solidarity with the detainees, and we make a special appeal to the revolutionaries of the city of Port Sudan to make their voices heard loudly for the revolutionaries in the detention centers and the whole world, in refusal to infringe on freedom and demand their immediate release without delay.

To the revolutionaries and revolutionaries:

Let us raise the banner of the unity of the revolutionary forces without delay or hesitation, to build the broadest civil front to defeat the coup, and we call on everyone in the cities and countryside of our country to show solidarity with the Omdurman revolutionaries in the millions we entrusted before in all parts of the country.

To the international community:

The escalating violence during the last period and today in Omdurman confirmed that the coup junta lacked the political will and did not desire a democratic climate or a political solution, which confirms the correctness of our previously announced position that it is not possible to initiate any productive political process in light of the state of emergency, excessive violence and continuous killing in the face of the mass movement, the continuation of political arrests and the regressive decisions taken by the coup authority in favor of the former regime.

Finally, we must come out with all our banners of solidarity and solidarity among all the sons and daughters of our people from El Geneina to Omdurman.

Forces of Freedom and Change – Executive Office

Khartoum May 21, 2022